quintessential

adjective

ˌkwin-tə-ˈsen(t)-shəl How to pronounce quintessential (audio)
Definition of quintessentialnext
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated Helen of Troy was supposedly the quintessential beauty of the ancient world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of quintessential Airy linen is one of the season’s quintessential fabrics, offering a cool and moisture-wicking alternative to heavier materials. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 Best Reversible and Nostalgic Quilts With red, blue, beige, and mustard yellow floral details throughout, this now-under-$50 quilt set features quintessential diamond patchwork. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2026 And Madhu Sapre closed the show in Gupta’s vision of a quintessential Indian bride in red. — CNN Money, 30 July 2026 Another quintessential Ibiza experience is a day trip to the nearby island of Formentera, which the hotel will happily arrange for guests. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
  1. classic
  2. exemplary
  3. perfect
  4. archetypal
  5. definitive
  6. excellent
Adjective
  • The sleek, slip-on style instantly elevates the most basic outfit with that classic mule-meets-loafer design, while the flat bottoms provide all-day comfort.
    — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
  • So think about that classic goopy white sunscreen from every beach movie in the ’80s.
    — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • Warfighter of the Week is a command program in which the ship’s captain personally recognizes exemplary sailors selected by their leadership for their accomplishments.
    — Magda Liszewska, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The award recognizes exemplary work that both preserves Pennsylvania's historic places and adapts them to serve present and future communities.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Definition of exemplary
Adjective
  • This patch of land to the west of San Sebastián feels like the most perfect place on the planet, while still being a 10-minute car ride from the center of the city.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Incorporating them into your wardrobe couldn’t be more seamless thanks to breezy yet posh linen and cotton-blend options that are perfect for the summer’s remaining heatwaves.
    — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of perfect
Adjective
  • Lestat remembers himself like a bit of an archetypal fairytale babe in the woods in the recounting of his human life.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 22 June 2026
  • Just over two miles south of the historic village of Tintagel, Trebarwith is a wild, archetypal north‑coast beach—a mile‑long sweep of golden sand and rocky outcrops visible only at low tide.
    — Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Definition of archetypal
Adjective
  • Several players declined to comment on the session, but some, including Richard Bland, pointed to DeChambeau’s role in the meeting and cited a lack of definitive updates.
    — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • With so much uncertainty still surrounding the ruling, Danielson wouldn’t commit to a timeline or even provide a definitive answer as to whether either player would be allowed to return.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • The neighborhood/area Just across the train tracks is Vesterbro with an excellent range of independent shops and restaurants, not least in Kødbyen, the Meat Packing district.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As for dining options, Cafe Genevieve serves an excellent breakfast and brunch, and Million Dollar Cowboy Bar draws crowds for a taste of Western-style eats like bison burgers and elk sliders.
    — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent

Browse Nearby Words

quintessences
quintessential
quintet
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Cite this Entry

“Quintessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessential. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of quintessential for Spanish Speakers

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